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A former soldier died from a wasp sting by after he took up a job as a pest controller without realising he was prone to an allergic reaction, an inquest heard.

Lee Darker, 48, was pronounced dead shortly after he was attacked twice while removing a wasps' nest from inside a garage at an army property in Catterick Garrison, North Yorks, on September 17 last year.

Mr Darker suffered an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. He was found slumped in the passenger seat of his van outside the property.

His death came two weeks after he was stung eight times by a wasp during a separate call out which was treated with cream although he didn't suffer from any symptoms.

It's not known whether he was wearing standard protective issue clothing at the time he was stung but was "meticulous" when following rules, an inquest heard.

The 48-year-old, from Darlington, served in the Royal Lancers for 22 years before he left the army in 2010 and was employed by Mitie Pest Control in September 2017.

A manager at the firm said Mr Darker stated he suffered from no allergies during a health screening before he was able to clear wasps' nests.

Coroner Robert Turnbull recorded a verdict of misadventure. He told the hearing: "It's a tragic outcome. He died as a result of anaphylactic shock. He was going about his business and died not anticipating this would happen."

Speaking after the inquest, his wife Barbara Darker said: "This was the last thing you thought would have happened, especially considering his background in the army.